Kelly, Stricker stating case for U.S. team

With a little more than seven weeks left before The Presidents Cup teams are finalized, one would think Madison golfers Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker are high on Jack Nicklaus’ list as potential captain’s picks.

The top 10 golfers from a Presidents Cup points list automatically make the U.S. team and Nicklaus gets two at-large picks.

Kelly ranks No. 14 in the points and Stricker is No. 15. Both have played very well this year.

Kelly is one of only five golfers with top-10 finishes at both the Masters and U.S. Open. Stricker, the 2006 PGA Tour comeback player of the year, shared the final-round lead at the Open before tying for 13th. He had top 10s at both the U.S. Open and PGA Championship last year.

Plus, they’re good friends and would partner well in the team formats.

The Presidents Cup teams will be finalized Aug. 13 and the competition is Sept. 24-30 at Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal.